and in re-reading THE HOBBIT just recently I was quite moved by discovering, through Bilbo's eyes the deceit of possession and hoarding and the banality of war- whether in the Western Front or at a Valley in Middle Earth.

Bilbo does have an amazing character. It can seem light and superficial but then he does or says something utterly profound. I think it relates to his ability to hold, or I should say resist The Ring for 60 years. But man is it hard to define ! Welcome btw! and let me say a heart-felt thanks for allowing us to feel, just a little, part of this experience.